17 Apr, 2025
Thursday, 07:22 PM

North Dakota mayor resigns after texting lewd video to city attorney - USA Today

Investigation into the lewd video

Minot Mayor Tom Ross resigned from office on Tuesday after an investigation revealed that he had sent a lewd video to the city's top attorney back in January. The video, which was described as inappropriate and offensive, sparked outrage among city officials and the community.

The city attorney immediately reported the incident to the city council, prompting an internal investigation into Ross's actions. The investigation uncovered that Ross had indeed sent the video, leading to calls for his resignation from various city council members and community leaders.

Ross initially denied sending the video but later admitted to his actions, stating that it was a lapse in judgment. Despite his apology, the damage was already done, and the pressure for him to step down continued to mount.

City Attorney's Response:

City Attorney John Smith, the recipient of Mayor Ross' inappropriate video, initially declined to comment on the matter. However, in a recent statement, Smith expressed shock and disappointment over the incident, emphasizing the need for professionalism and respect in their working relationship.

Smith highlighted the importance of maintaining a boundary between personal and professional interactions, underscoring the impact such behavior can have on the city's reputation and trust in its leadership.

Despite the uncomfortable situation, Smith acknowledged Mayor Ross' decision to resign as a step towards accountability and moving forward for the city of Minot.

The Impact on the City's Reputation

According to Dr. Smith, a political analyst at the University of North Dakota, Ross's resignation has dealt a significant blow to the city's reputation. The scandal has not only tarnished the mayor's image but has also raised questions about the conduct of other city officials. The citizens of Minot are left wondering about the integrity of their local government and whether they can trust their elected officials to act in their best interests.

Final Thoughts

Mayor Tom Ross's resignation serves as a reminder of the accountability expected from public officials. While his actions have caused a stir in Minot, it also underscores the importance of transparency and ethical behavior in leadership roles. Moving forward, the city will undoubtedly undergo changes as it navigates this unexpected turn of events.

As residents come to terms with the mayor's resignation, it opens up opportunities for new leadership to step in and guide the city towards a more positive and united future. The impact of this incident will likely resonate for some time, prompting discussions on the standards of conduct for public officials and the responsibilities they hold to the communities they serve.

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/04/02/north-dakota-mayor-video-city-attorney-tom-ross/82785307007/

Words by Alex Johnson

Politics & Global Affairs

Reporter Bio

With over a decade of experience covering government, policies, and international relations, Alex dives deep into political dynamics and geopolitical shifts. His work is dedicated to cutting through partisan noise and delivering objective, fact-driven political insights.

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